What a ride!

[red rider]

Took the day off today, went on a drive with my 2011 SLS AWD from Santa Rosa, CA down the Pacific Coast highway, clear sunny, upper 50's, slight breeze from the ocean. Very little traffic, saw 1 Highway patrol car. Turned off the radio, put in her manual and in AWD. What a blast, tight turns, sweepers, changing the gears with the paddle shifters. RPM soaring and dropping with every shift, flat handling, Got down to Point Reyes station for a late breakfast, early lunch. Made the return trip, this car has a dual personality, civilized, sedate, responsible when you need to and wild, spontaneous, free wheeling, excellent handling, pushing the limits when you want to. Definitely, needed today, food for my soul. What mood are you in?

[ipaqxman]

Very envious

[jono6406]

Nice redrider, very nice.

[murcod]

Out of interest, how do the Kizashi AWD models compare to the FWD models for handling? Has anyone driven both and pushed them around familiar corners?

I know the ride height is 10mm lower with (I assume) firmer springs and differently valved shocks. But how much difference is there really if you're not in a low traction situation?

[BM-Power]

Out of interest, how do the Kizashi AWD models compare to the FWD models for handling? Has anyone driven both and pushed them around familiar corners?

I know the ride height is 10mm lower with (I assume) firmer springs and differently valved shocks. But how much difference is there really if you're not in a low traction situation?

I've driven both; I was given AWD sport as a loaner car while mine was getting serviced. I could definitely notice the extra weight of the AWD, as you're going through the corners you definitely feel that the car weighs more than the FWD. The FWD feels a lot more nimble, lighter and faster (especially with proper manual). As I was driving the AWD in the sunny dry weather, the grip levels felt about the same as on the FWD, I pushed harder through few corners and it felt solid just like the FWD (my model came with 215 tyres and I can feel losing grip a bit earlier, but if it came with the 235's, I think it would have felt about the same). I'm sure the AWD would be better in the raining/snowing weather as well as on the really hardcore track cornering than the FWD.

[murcod]

Thanks. Much what I thought it would be. (It's not like the Kizashi has the power to fully exploit the AWD in the dry, which is a pity.)

BTW 235/50R17 tyres will fit on the stock 17" rims and are virtually spot on the correct diameter.

[BM-Power]

Thanks. Much what I thought it would be. (It's not like the Kizashi has the power to fully exploit the AWD in the dry, which is a pity.)

BTW 235/50R17 tyres will fit on the stock 17" rims and are virtually spot on the correct diameter.

What's the stock 17" rim width? Is it 7.5" or 7"? I thought they were 7", in that case anything wider than 215's will compromise the handling and fit.

I'm planning to get 19x8.5 Enkei's RPF1s (like the one's on the Kizashi Turbo Concept), and run with 235's at the front and 245's at the back; that should get the handling close to AWD set up.

[murcod]

You can legally fit the 235 on the 17" rim (you're in Australia as well aren't you?) They're 7" width from memory.

Talking of compromising handling, 19" rims probably aren't the best option in that area.

[KuroNekko]

Out of interest, how do the Kizashi AWD models compare to the FWD models for handling? Has anyone driven both and pushed them around familiar corners?

I know the ride height is 10mm lower with (I assume) firmer springs and differently valved shocks. But how much difference is there really if you're not in a low traction situation?

I've driven both; I was given AWD sport as a loaner car while mine was getting serviced. I could definitely notice the extra weight of the AWD, as you're going through the corners you definitely feel that the car weighs more than the FWD. The FWD feels a lot more nimble, lighter and faster (especially with proper manual). As I was driving the AWD in the sunny dry weather, the grip levels felt about the same as on the FWD, I pushed harder through few corners and it felt solid just like the FWD (my model came with 215 tyres and I can feel losing grip a bit earlier, but if it came with the 235's, I think it would have felt about the same). I'm sure the AWD would be better in the raining/snowing weather as well as on the really hardcore track cornering than the FWD.

Makes sense.
First of all, Murcod, in the US the Kizashi is available in the Sport trim with a manual transmission. I have the 6 speed manual in the Sport GTS so I have the 10mm drop in ride height in the sport suspension. From what you write, it seems that the Sport is only for the AWD models in Australia.

I also want to add that the Kizashi has a Full-Time AWD system, not a Permanent AWD. This means that even when the AWD is on, it's not really sending power to the rear wheels unless slip is detected. Unlike a Subaru which always has power (varying) going to all wheels, the Kizashi's AWD activates on a need basis. For this reason, I really don't think the AWD makes a huge difference in dry, smooth roads. This is quite frankly why most cars with Full-Time AWD do not have a button to deactivate the AWD. The AWD is not being used most of the time on normal driving conditions anyways.
Suzuki made it button-activated with a claim to save gas, but has anyone really compared the vehicle's AWD vs. 2WD in fuel consumption in normal dry, paved road conditions?

[Moto]

Fuel mile was checked in the past. There is a thread on it somewhere. From memory their was no noticeable difference.